Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi and member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has opted not to appear for interrogation in response to the sixth summons that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has sent out about a money laundering investigation involving purported anomalies in the Delhi excise policy 2021–2022. Kejriwal was asked to appear before the ED on February 19, but he believed the summons was unlawful, and the case is presently being reviewed by the court. Kejriwal was given permission by the Rouse Avenue court to postpone his in-person appearance until March 16 due to his participation in the ongoing budget session and a House motion for confidence.
Accusing Kejriwal of breaking the law and attempting to avoid the investigation into the liquor case, Delhi BJP secretary Harish Khurana slammed Kejriwal for refusing five more ED summonses. Hemant Soren, a former Jharkhand chief minister who was arrested for evading an ED summons, was mentioned by Khurana.
The 2021–22 excise strategy of the Delhi government aims to revive the city's spirits business by introducing swankier outlets without metal grilles, offering incentives to customers, and moving dealers to a licencing fee-based system. However, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommended that the CBI investigate purported anomalies, which resulted in the policy being discontinued.
Delhi's political tensions are exemplified by the ongoing legal battle between Kejriwal and the ED, in which the AAP is arguing in court that Kejriwal's activities are lawful. Both Kejriwal's political career and the standing of the AAP in Delhi would be impacted by the case's verdict.
(Image Source: multiple agencies)
(Inputs from agencies)
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